Ngcobo and Shabalala back new signing Luke Baartman to succeed at Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs’ midfielders Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Mduduzi Shabalala have thrown their weight behind new teammate Luke Baartman, offering advice on handling the pressures of wearing the Amakhosi jersey and highlighting his potential to shine in Soweto.

Baartman, a teenage sensation, was unveiled by Chiefs last Tuesday, following a ruling by the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) that declared him a free agent. 

The 19-year-old’s former club, Cape Town Spurs, had been relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the ABC Motsepe League, triggering the release.

Spurs, however, have announced their intention to challenge the decision, with a review application expected at the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal. 

This is similar to the case of another new Chiefs signing, Asanele Velebayi, who was Baartman’s teammate at the Urban Warriors as well.

Legal arguments hinged on relegation rules under the NSL, with Spurs claiming that Baartman’s professional contract should remain valid. 

The DRC panel, however, agreed with the players’ legal team, ruling that relegation to amateur status voided the contracts, clearing the way for Baartman to join the Soweto giants.

The teenager was formally introduced to Amakhosi fans at FNB Stadium last Tuesday alongside Velebayi and Etiosa Ighodaro ahead of Chiefs’ Betway Premiership clash against Richards Bay FC. 

Baartman watched from the stands as Chiefs claimed a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Gaston Sirino’s decisive strike.

Ngcobo, a product of the Chiefs development pathway, has been mentoring the young midfielder in his first days at Naturena. 

Speaking at the club’s media open day, he offered practical advice for handling life at a big club.

“I think we have had a few sessions with him. Firstly, I would say he is a great player,” Ngcobo said. 

“I think he needs to play his normal football and improve his game in all the areas where he needs to improve. The pressure that comes with playing for a big team like Chiefs is natural, but I believe that with the talent he has, he is going to do well for the team.”

Fellow academy graduate Mduduzi Shabalala echoed Ngcobo’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of focus and self-belief.

“I think Luke is also a good player and a good signing for us. He is going to help us a lot,” Shabalala said. 

“What he needs to do is focus on himself and always be himself at training and on the field. He must also play with his heart, and he must not listen to what other people say about him. He must do his thing and close out the noise from outside.”

Baartman now begins the task of transitioning from a highly-rated prospect to a first-team contributor at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. 

With guidance from Ngcobo and Shabalala, the teenager has the support system he needs to thrive in the high-pressure environment of Kaizer Chiefs football.